Who Is Pranjal Patil, India’s First Visually Impaired Woman IAS Officer

IAS Pranjal Patil, a visually impaired woman from Maharashtra ’s Ulhasnagar, went on to become India's first visually impaired woman Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, thus creating history. With a determination to pursue her dreams, Patil, who lost her vision at the age of six, fought against all odds and successfully cracked the Union Public Service Commission ( UPSC ) twice and joined the services in 2017.

Pranjal Patil completed her schooling at Kamla Mehta Dadar School for the Blind in Mumbai and went on to earn a degree in Political Science from St. Xavier's College. She then pursued a post-graduate degree in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi, and even achieved an MPhil and a PhD.

Notably, Pranjal appeared for the UPSC exams twice, securing the 744th rank in 2016 and improving her rank to 124th in 2017. Remarkably, she prepared for the exams without any coaching, using special software to read study materials aloud.

After joining the administrative services, she got first posting as the Sub-Collector of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala .

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri too had wished her after her selection to the administrative services. In a post on X, Puri said, “Heartiest congratulations to Pranjal Patil, India’s first visually challenged IAS officer for taking charge as Asst Collector of Ernakulam. Her story of strength & determination will certainly inspire every candidate aiming to clear UPSC exams. Hope to meet her some day.”

Pranjal Patil's story is a testament to her resilience and inspiration to many and a shining example of the power of determination and hard work. Her journey is also a reminder that disability is not a barrier to success.

Pranjal's journey from being visually impaired to an IAS officer has inspired countless others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.